Backwoods Bushcraft and Adventures

Backwoods Bushcraft and Adventures Keeping our Appalachian traditions and heritage alive through skills teaching and products we create. Have a particular skill you want to learn?

Ask us, we just might have the skills or know someone who does. Make some memories with your family on your next trip to the Great Smoky Mountains with us.

12/17/2017

I have not posted much as of late in that I have been working two jobs and seven days week in addition to taking a break from Facebook. Someone asked me the other day why a woodsman and bushcrafter would submit to a seven day work week and if that was not selling out. My answer of course was an emphatic NO. I have often said that one process builds on another and if, to survive or reach a goal, you have to "work in the modern world for a while" so be it. Survival and sustainability is not always as romantic as surviving in a cabin in the woods and despite what the reality shows would have you believe many bushcrafters, off gridders, and primitive skills enthusiasts work full time " real jobs" from time to time. As long as you do not stray from your principles and core values (as I once let myself do) you are still every bit a bush crafter as those who live full time in the backwoods. A key element to being a successful bushcrafter is to take every experience and apply it to you bushcraft lifestyle. Even if you are working at some job that may not translate to the backwoods you can use your down time, (even 15 minute breaks) to study elements of bushcrafting. So do not think that any job you may do to feed your family, reach a goal, or get through a rough patch lessons your standing as a bushcrafter or woodsman. While you may not have as much time in the woods you will appreciate the time you do have all the more.

Making things from cast off or worn out items is not a new concept my any means. Those who delve into the study of Appal...
12/17/2017

Making things from cast off or worn out items is not a new concept my any means. Those who delve into the study of Appalachian backwoods families of the last two centuries will see this in much of the material culture of Tue area. This is a shooting bag made from an old coverlet and leather ( a reproduction I made some time back ). It is a good practice to look at things you are getting ready to discard and figure out another use for them.

It's mushroom season AND hunting season, what could be better? Backwoods Jim is out scouting and gathering today, we hop...
10/14/2017

It's mushroom season AND hunting season, what could be better? Backwoods Jim is out scouting and gathering today, we hope you're enjoying the season too.

Took my grandkids to the Ocunaluftee Cherokee Village yesterday to show them some of their grandpas heritage. Great tri...
10/01/2017

Took my grandkids to the Ocunaluftee Cherokee Village yesterday to show them some of their grandpas heritage. Great trip on a fine fall day. It is good to start kids young on the path of loving history and traditional skills.

How a bush crafter plays in the yard after work. I set myself a time limit of 45 minutes and could only use what I had i...
09/28/2017

How a bush crafter plays in the yard after work. I set myself a time limit of 45 minutes and could only use what I had in my truck. 42 minutes later I had a makeshift camp kitchen with only what was at hand

Ours is here in these Appalachian Mountains....where is yours?
09/15/2017

Ours is here in these Appalachian Mountains....where is yours?

Sending a piece of our "heart" to those affected by Irma. Take the time start learning the skills you need before you n...
09/09/2017

Sending a piece of our "heart" to those affected by Irma. Take the time start learning the skills you need before you need them.

Thought for your hump day.
09/06/2017

Thought for your hump day.

Lake Barchis near the Dolamite Mountains in Italy.I only got to spend a short time there last year, but I plan on return...
09/06/2017

Lake Barchis near the Dolamite Mountains in Italy.I only got to spend a short time there last year, but I plan on returning and doing some bushcraft there.

Robert Harrell, the Fort Fisher Hermit, lived in an abandoned WWII bunker by Fort Fisher, near Wilmington NC. In the ear...
09/04/2017

Robert Harrell, the Fort Fisher Hermit, lived in an abandoned WWII bunker by Fort Fisher, near Wilmington NC. In the early 60s he made a life in the salt marsh and beach of that area. I was down at Kure beach this weekend and could not help think of how this man, once relegated to an insane asylum, was able to live life on his terms on the coast. While admittedly he did make some money and received a few donations. Much of his food came from fishing and foraging. Today he would not be allowed to live as he did at that time.

On a recent trip to Mt. VERNON an info board described Washingtons use of simple fishing gear and fondness for recreati...
09/04/2017

On a recent trip to Mt. VERNON an info board described Washingtons use of simple fishing gear and fondness for recreational fishing. A small tin of hooks, line, weoghts, etc. Was with him as he travelled. This idea has survived until our time. I love handline fishing and have used the gear that I carry on a regular basis to contrive meathods to lure fish from creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes and even the ocean.

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Sevierville, TN

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